Lal Chowk Militancy Incident Not A Fidayeen Attack, Says Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah refused to term the latest militancy incident at Lal Chowk as a suicide attack saying it was just a confrontation between the security forces and militants on the run.

"It (Thursday's Lal Chowk incident) was not a fidayeen (suicide) attack. Fidayeen attack means a suicidal attack on a high value target. It was a simple encounter between running away militants and the security forces," Omar said in an official statement in Jammu on Friday.

The media too should be careful in its choice of words while reporting such developments, he said.

The chief minister also said that the lowest rate of human rights violations in the state in the last 20 years and considerable reduction in militancy related incidents were the two most major achievements of the first year of his tenure.

Abdullah said his government is working towards creating a situation conducive for talks between the state and Centre.

Separatist groups disagree with the national consensus on Kashsmir issue. So, their engagement in a dialogue with the Centre is more relevant than the state's, he said in reply to a question.

However, he said, "We have social contacts with them (separatists). If they wish to discuss matters with the Centre jointly with us, we are more than willing."

On India's stalled composite dialogue with Pakistan, Abdullah said the neighbour has to address the country's concerns in the wake of 26/11 to create an atmosphere of confidence needed for the resumption of talks.

Regarding troops withdrawal from J and K, he said the National Security Advisor has rightly said that withdrawal of troops is related to the betterment of security scenario on the ground. PTI